The match began with a new round. Although Bei Mo University employed a Spikes tactic, their understanding of it was clearly lacking, as they didn't increase the layers.
Meanwhile, despite taking some damage from Spikes upon entering the field, the Wailmer on the Liu Ling Great team was still in decent condition due to its thick skin and high defense.
"Forretress, use Heavy Slam!"
Forretress obeyed the command and spun towards Wailmer. Tu Zhuang Hai gave no order, allowing Wailmer to take the hit.
Wailmer was incredibly resilient, taking a set of Spikes and a Heavy Slam, yet still appearing ready to battle.
As Forretress closed in on Wailmer after Heavy Slam, Tu Zhuang Hai seized the opportunity to counterattack: "Wailmer, use Whirlpool to trap him!"
Wailmer, facing the closely-approached Forretress, unleashed Whirlpool, ensnaring Forretress within the swirling water.
"Wailmer, counter with Aqua Jet!"
Trapped within Whirlpool, Forretress struggled to escape. Wailmer, observing this calmly, used Rest.
By the time Forretress finally managed to break free from Whirlpool, the match's outcome was clear.
"Forretress, use Explosion!"
"Wailmer, use Rest!"
After a deafening explosion, Forretress collapsed to the ground, while Wailmer once again fell into a deep sleep.
The referee announced the result, and Bei Mo University sent out their next contestant. As for the sleeping Wailmer, there was nothing to be done; it had entered the Rest state at the end of the previous match, and it wouldn't be reasonable to wake it up.
Bei Mo University sent out their third contestant, a Voltorb.
"It seems Bei Mo University must have some method for quickly restoring their Pokémon's affection. Otherwise, this self-destruct strategy would surely cause resentment, but their Pokémon and trainer seem to have a good relationship."
"Voltorb, use Charge Beam!"
Hit directly by Charge Beam, Wailmer slowly awoke. Tu Zhuang Hai's commands grew increasingly interesting: "Wailmer, give him the set meal!"
The so-called "set meal" was a combination of Whirlpool, Aqua Jet, and Rest. However, as the saying goes, if a name is misleading, it can lead to unexpected effects. Despite Bei Mo University's caution, Voltorb was hit with the full "set meal."
While Forretress had spun its way out of Whirlpool, Voltorb fared worse. Its spherical body allowed for acceleration, but being trapped in Whirlpool also made it susceptible to being swept along by the currents.
By the time Voltorb ran out of stamina, it was unable to launch another attack. This round ended even faster than the previous one.
Seeing Wailmer on the field, seemingly able to endure and battle for a long time, the members of Bei Mo University began to grow anxious.
"I'm sorry, I had the type advantage."
"It's not your fault. This Wailmer is just too tough and tanky. And after Rest, it's probably back to full health."
"So what do we do? What tactic should we use?"
...
After some deliberation, Bei Mo University sent out their fourth Pokémon. From this moment on, the pressure of the consecutive battles solely rested on Bei Mo University.
"Magnemite, use Double Beam!"
"Wailmer, use Aqua Jet!"
Both sides engaged in a fierce clash from the start. Magnemite attempted to use Double Beam to directly control Wailmer, while Wailmer hoped to defeat Magnemite instantly with Aqua Jet in its current high state.
Neither side fully achieved their objective. Although Wailmer was hit by Double Beam, it didn't seem significantly affected. Magnemite, on the other hand, did not land a knockout blow due to Wailmer's defensive focus and its own offensive shortcomings.
"Wailmer, another set meal!"
"Magnemite, dodge and use Thunderbolt!"
Wailmer opened its mouth, but only bit into the ground. Magnemite's Thunderbolt, due to Wailmer suddenly planting itself on the ground, veered off by half an inch. Neither attack landed.
"That was close. If Thunderbolt had hit, the battle might have ended. In terms of raw power, Magnemite is certainly top-tier. But why hasn't it evolved? Bei Mo University should be able to create a strong magnetic field area."
...
On the field, Wailmer, having tasted dirt, got up and lumbered towards Magnemite under Tu Zhuang Hai's command. The Bei Mo University trainer was surprised. What did this mean? Was it attacking willingly? Was it asking to be beaten?
"Do you believe me if I say my Wailmer can use Destiny Bond?"
The Bei Mo University trainer was confused by Tu Zhuang Hai's shout. Could Wailmer use Destiny Bond, like Qwilfish?
While he was contemplating, Wailmer had already approached Magnemite. Seeing this, the coach in the waiting area was furious. Wailmer couldn't use Destiny Bond, and even if it could, what would be the point? It had already used Whirlpool, Rest, Aqua Jet, and Water Pulse. It had no energy left for another Aqua Jet!
However, the coach could only vent his frustration internally. Rules allowed trainers to communicate with each other in the battle area, even to exchange taunts, as long as it wasn't about throwing the match or outright insults; generally, the referee wouldn't intervene. But coaches in the waiting area were absolutely forbidden from speaking out. Even if a player turned to look, a coach could only signal with their eyes or nod or shake their head. Any more significant movement could result in a penalty card from the referee.
But the trainer on the field seemed to sense the coach's anger. "That's not right. Where did you get Destiny Bond from? Magnemite, finish him with Thunderbolt!"
"Wailmer, use Water Pulse! You figured it out, but it's too late."
Indeed, at this close range, if Tu Zhuang Hai hadn't been using Wailmer but its evolved form, Wailord, he might have had Wailord crush Magnemite directly.
The two attacks collided violently. The clash between Water Pulse and Thunderbolt didn't decide the match, and after this exchange, both sides prepared for another.
They continued with Thunderbolt versus Water Pulse. However, unlike the previous exchange, Wailmer's Water Pulse didn't collide with Thunderbolt this time. It was launched only after Thunderbolt had hit, striking Magnemite.
"It's a tough situation for him. Constantly trading Water Pulse against Thunderbolt would be disadvantageous. Magnemite also has Double Beam. Even if it didn't aim for strong control, it could still be troublesome to break through. But I'm surprised it could endure this long. Is this the benefit of a bulky Pokémon?"
The two on the field seemed to have reached a mutual destruction, and both returned to their respective waiting areas to prepare for the next contestant.
Looking at Bei Mo University's lineup, Chu Xiao Die thought for a moment and said, "How about this? I'll be the sacrifice in the next round."
"What?"
"We're currently leading the consecutive battles 3-1, right? I'll go out in the next round, my only job will be to use Sleep Powder, then quickly switch out and take the win while they're asleep."
Everyone looked at Chu Xiao Die. Finally, Wei Chi Ting made the decision: "Alright, if that's the case, it's up to you. Don't put too much pressure on yourself; we have the advantage right now."
Chu Xiao Die nodded and walked towards the battle area. Bei Mo University, seemingly without consulting, had sent out their captain for the final round of the consecutive battles.
On the Liu Ling Great side, everyone sighed. If judged solely on individual strength, the captain of Bei Mo University would definitely rank among the top ten in this university Pokémon tournament. Their previous poor performance couldn't be blamed on him, as it was too difficult for one person to carry an entire team.
The two met on stage and exchanged greetings.
"A sacrifice play? It's useless."
Chu Xiao Die nodded: "I know it's useless, but since I'm already out here, can I just back down?"
"Then let's begin. I'm also eager to directly gauge the strength of a first-year student like yourself."
The match began...
"Go, Butterfree, use Sleep Powder and Gust!"
"Go, Charizard, blast it back!"
The entire stadium gasped as Bei Mo University's captain brought out a Charizard.
In previous matches, Bei Mo University's captain had used Decidueye, Brutal Swing, Samurott, and Swampert. In the last match, he had fielded Infernape. He had already sent out five fully evolved Pokémon, and now he produced another Charizard?
"What kind of time management is this? Are you sure he's a university student? He managed to catch and evolve six starter Pokémon in university. How influential must his background be... Wait, there are currently twenty-one starter Pokémon available in the Pokémon League. Could he have all of them? Can he even train them all?"
Many shared this thought. Wei Chi Ting mused, "If he truly has all the Pokémon, the team battle will be very difficult. What should we do?"
Li Qiufeng patted his shoulder. "We'll worry about that when the time comes. I'm up next. Is there anything you want to say?"
Wei Chi Ting was taken aback. "You're going up? Shouldn't..."
Chu Xiao Die, standing beside him, shook her head. "Too strong. I couldn't even pull off the sacrifice play. It was just sacrifice, no play."